Performance enhancement of quantum dot infrared photodetectors (QDIPs) via nanoscale light–matter interaction engineering: a review
Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Quantum dots (QDs) are zero-dimensional (0D) semiconductor nanostructures with three-dimensional (3D) quantum confinement. This confinement leads to discrete energy levels with a delta-function-like density of states (DOS), enabling superior optoelectronic characteristics such as monochromatic light emission, a low linewidth enhancement factor ( α ), and high-gain, low-threshold lasing. Consequently, QDs have become cornerstone materials for next-generation optoelectronic devices, including infrared photodetectors (QDIPs), laser diodes, and electro-optic (EO) modulators. However, the performance of epitaxial QDs is often constrained by lattice-mismatch-induced strain, leading to inherent trade-offs between active layer thickness and absorption efficiency. Furthermore, the intrinsic low filling factor due to the small physical size of 0D dots relative to the total active area and stochastic variations in dot size during growth induce inhomogeneous spectral broadening, which can dilute the theoretical advantages of their discrete DOS. This review examines nanoscale light–matter interaction engineering as a pivotal strategy to overcome these fundamental limitations for QDIP performance enhancement. We provide analysis of how resonant plasmonic nanostructures, plasmonic nanoantennas, and perfect plasmonic absorbers (PPAs) can be leveraged to manipulate the local density of states (LDOS), effectively bypassing the diffraction limit to achieve intense field localization within the QD active region. The discussion details the physics of surface plasmon resonance (SPR), plasmonic nanoantennas, and PPA cavities, focusing on the interactions between localized electromagnetic modes and the QD transitions. We trace the evolution of QDIP technology from early discrete devices to recent breakthroughs in high-performance, multi-spectral focal plane arrays (FPAs). Finally, we identify the remaining challenges in interpixel crosstalk, Ohmic dissipation, and thermionic-emission-induced dark current, offering a future vision for high-operating-temperature infrared sensors and imagers.
Authors: Lidan Cao, Guiru Gu, Danhong Huang, Xuejun Lu
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,325
OpenAlex ID: W7204082964
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: